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(UCL) Injuries – Tommy John Surgery Alternative

Support Elbow Stability Without Surgery

At Active Life Physical Medicine in Phoenix, AZ, Regenexx procedures offer a non-surgical alternative for individuals dealing with pain, reduced stability, or loss of function due to UCL injuries. Whether you’re a throwing athlete or experiencing ligament strain from overuse, there may be options beyond traditional surgery.

Are You a Regenexx Candidate?

Are You a Regenexx Candidate?
16620 North 40th Street Phoenix, AZ 85032

Non-Surgical UCL Care At Active Life Physical Medicine

Tommy John Surgery (TJS) is a widely known procedure for reconstructing the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), which plays a vital role in stabilizing the elbow. This type of injury is especially common in baseball pitchers due to the repetitive strain placed on the arm during throwing. Surgical reconstruction typically involves tendon grafting and drilling into the elbow bones, procedures that can lead to a long recovery period and may not always return an athlete to their previous level of performance.

At Active Life Physical Medicine in Phoenix, AZ, the Regenexx approach may provide a non-surgical path forward. These outpatient procedures utilize advanced imaging guidance, such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy, to precisely deliver Regenexx injectates, concentrated components of your body’s own healing mechanisms, into the affected area of the elbow.

This non-surgical approach may help with:

  • Targeted support for ligament stability
  • Reduced pain and inflammation
  • Preservation of elbow function and mobility
  • Less downtime than surgery, with fewer post-procedure limitations
  • Minimal reliance on medications for recovery

This image-guided, customized care is performed by trained physicians in the licensed Regenexx network, using patented Regenexx lab processes. This level of precision and preparation is not typically available in standard clinical settings.

Regenexx procedures have supported many high-level athletes in their recovery from UCL injuries without the need for surgery, helping them return to training or competition sooner than traditional timelines.

This page includes educational resources developed by Regenexx founder Chris Centeno, M.D., for those considering alternatives to UCL surgery. We encourage you to explore your options.

Regenexx Benefits

  • Increased function
  • Pain reduction
  • Most individuals do not experience extensive downtime
  • Minimal time off of work
  • No surgery
  • Minimal use of mobility tools (crutches, etc.)
  • Minimal disruption of regular routine

16620 North 40th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85032

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As the medical director and founder of Active Life Physical Medicine and Pain Center, Innovative Surgery Center, and Regena Spa, Dr. Lundquist has great enthusiasm toward regenerative medicines and a special interest in sports medicine and pain. She loves her work and feels blessed to be entrusted to help patients by alleviating painful ailments.

Her desire is to uncover methods that are more healing and less of a “band aid,” which has led her to become a leader in regenerative medicine technologies. She feels strongly about the importance of seeking methods to help alleviate pain on every level – holistically.

Originally a massage therapist and, later, an osteopath, she has a strong foundation to alleviate patient’s pain. She is a “hands on” physician who implements osteopathic techniques when appropriate with other tools.

She is dual board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation along with pain management, as well as a diplomat with the American Board of Pain Medicine.

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Areas treated: Cervical Spine (Not Upper Cervical or CCI)*, Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Lumbar Spine, Shoulder, Thoracic Spine

Dr. Bonilla is a double board certified physician (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Interventional Pain Management) with over 20 years of experience treating musculoskeletal conditions and spine injuries in the state of Arizona. Dr. Bonilla prides himself on using the most important tools in Physical Medicine, listening carefully to his patient, and using his hands to perform a careful physical exam. He thoroughly educates his patients on their conditions and treatment options and is a very caring and personable physician, always ensuring his patients are as comfortable as possible.

Dr. Bonilla’s education includes a bachelor’s degree in Materials Science Engineering from Alfred University in New York. He initially worked as a production engineer for DuPont Electronic Materials Inc. for four years. Although he enjoyed his work as an engineer, his passion was always in medicine. As an avid and passionate skateboarder, Dr. Bonilla witnessed and suffered many injuries in his younger years. He witnessed first hand how devastating injuries could be on an active person and he decided to switch careers and study medicine to be able to help people who suffer life changing injuries. Being born and raised in Puerto Rico, Dr. Bonilla attended and graduated from University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. He then moved to Pittsburgh, PA to complete his internship at UPMC-Mercy Hospital, followed by his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Virginia.

Dr. Bonilla has been performing Regenerative Medicine for more than 18 years. He is trained and highly experienced in the use of ultrasound and fluoroscopy guided injections. He is also trained in the use of PRP and bone marrow concentrate, which contains your own stem cells, to promote the body’s natural ability to heal. Dr. Bonilla works part time at the Phoenix VA Hospital and enjoys helping Veterans with their musculoskeletal issues. He is married and has one son, currently serving as an US Army Honor Guard. He also has 3 step children and 2 grandchildren. As a passionate Mountain Biker for the last 20 years, Dr. Bonilla understands first hand how an injury can affect an individual’s lifestyle. He also enjoys traveling and exploring the outdoors.

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Areas treated: Cervical Spine (Not Upper Cervical or CCI)*, Elbow, Hip, Knee, Lumbar Spine, Shoulder, Thoracic Spine

Areas Treated

Cervical Spine (Not Upper Cervical or CCI)*, Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Lumbar Spine, Shoulder, Thoracic Spine

*This provider is NOT authorized by Regenexx to treat the C0-C1 or C1-C2 levels of the neck or CCI (craniocervical instability).

Regenexx Results

Since 2005 we have conducted research, accumulated patient results data, and obtained direct feedback from our patients. With one purpose in mind. To help you make an informed, confident decision to treat your condition.

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Regenexx Safety Report

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Treating Tennis & Golfer's Elbow

Dr. John Pitts discusses two common overuse injuries and how Regenexx-SCP and Regenexx-SD can help treat these problems non-surgically.

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